During the operations, River Police seized a total of 3,08,59,395 meters of illegal fishing nets, along with 3,574 kg of fish, 20 kg of crabs, and 80 kg of jellied shrimps, according to a press release of the force. Additionally, 260 illegal bushes used for fishing were destroyed from river areas. Over the seven-day period, 254 accused persons were arrested, and 70 cases were registered. Authorities stated that all seized illegal nets and jellied shrimps were destroyed in accordance with regulations. The confiscated crabs were released back into the water, while the remaining fish were distributed to orphanages.

Abundant production of all varieties of winter vegetables has already flooded local markets, with yields exceeding targets due to early cultivation. Other farmers, including Tozammel Haque, Hasen Ali and Asad Ullah of Amadpur village, reported similar success, expressing optimism about expanding commercial farming in vast char areas. Agricultural experts view char land farming as an effective climate change adaptation strategy, turning unstable riverbeds into productive agricultural zones. DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman said char land farming has created extensive employment opportunities, improving the socio-economic conditions of local communities. Overall, char land agriculture in the Rajshahi region has evolved from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial operations, playing a crucial role in meeting the country's growing food demand, he added.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the schedule for the preliminary examination of the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). The preliminary exam will be held simultaneously on January 30, from 10am to 12pm at centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. Earlier, on November 26 last year, the PSC published the circular for the 50th BCS on its website. According to the PSC’s tentative roadmap, the preliminary examination will be held on January 30, and the results will be published on February 10. The written examination will begin on April 9, with results to be published on July 30.

Real Madrid fell to a shock 3-2 defeat in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday as Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as coach ended in humiliation by second-tier opposition. Appointed on Monday to replace Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and his side were ousted by Jefte Betancor's stoppage-time winner at the Carlos Belmonte stadium. After Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday against rivals Barcelona, president Florentino Perez replaced Alonso with reserve team coach Arbeloa. - Jefte's double -Albacete frustrated Madrid after the break and then burst into life in attack to take the lead once more. "I'm not afraid of failure, I can understand that someone would want to call this defeat that," added Arbeloa.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) has announced a month-long program comprising 15 events across the country to ensure the victory of the "Yes" vote in the upcoming national referendum. The initiatives aim to increase public awareness and participation in the referendum under the pro-reforms slogan, “Vote ‘Yes’, Choose a Safe Bangladesh.”The programs were announced on Wednesday at a press conference held in front of the Ducsu building. Ducsu Vice President (VP) Shadik Kayem outlined the month-long plan at the briefing. He described the referendum as a historic pathway to implementing those reforms, adding that participating in the referendum and casting a ‘Yes’ vote is a responsibility to uphold the sacred legacy of the blood of the July martyrs. At the same time, it would help end the culture of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, secret detention centres, and other human rights violations.

In recent years, our ranking has fluctuated near the bottom of the global list. While this modest rise may offer a sliver of optimism, the reality remains unchanged: Bangladesh still holds one of the weakest passports in the world, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 37 destinations. Passport strength reflects more than just travel convenience; it signals a country’s diplomatic reach, economic standing, and global trust. Students struggle to attend international programs, professionals miss out on global opportunities, and ordinary travelers face lengthy, costly, and uncertain visa processes. True mobility -- and the opportunities it brings -- will require far more than incremental ranking changes, and we hope to see that become a priority.

At a time when speculation and misinformation have clouded the national mood, such firmness helps restore a sense of direction and stability. Questions surrounding the election timelines, participation, and credibility have created immense public anxiety, and understandably so. This assurance also carries weight beyond our borders, as the interim government's intention to hold a free and fair election reinforces Bangladesh’s image as a nation that values democratic norms. Any attempt to delay, manipulate, or undermine the process would risk damaging both domestic confidence and international standing. The path towards building back a democratic nation is rarely smooth, but conviction is imperative in this regard.

Inter Milan moved six points clear at the top of Serie A on Wednesday after beating Lecce 1-0 and taking advantage of Napoli's goalless draw with Parma. Inter travel to Udinese at the weekend before welcoming Premier League leaders Arsenal to the San Siro for a huge Champions League fixture. Chivu's team lost their previous two Champions League matches and are at risk of dropping out of the top eight places which give direct qualification to the last 16. Lecce meanwhile stay one place and three points above Serie A's relegation zone after collecting just one point from their last five matches. On Saturday Napoli host another also-ran in Sassuolo before travelling to FC Copenhagen for a match will be key to their prospects of reaching the Champions League play-offs.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked first among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 271 at 9:13am. The city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report, on Thursday. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Air Quality: Dhaka ranks 2nd worst on Wednesday morningDhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.

Football's global governing body FIFA said Wednesday it had received more than 500 million requests for tickets to this year's World Cup despite rumbling controversy over sky-high prices to attend the event. FIFA said fans would be notified of whether their requests had been successful "no earlier than 5 February." "Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand - it's a global statement," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said ticket prices were almost five times higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Those criticisms prompted FIFA to introduce a new category of cut-price tickets in December set at 60 US dollars (51 euros) each.

As we speak, Iran and its people live in danger from day to day. That Iran has been governed by the ayatollahs in harsh manner is not to be denied, indeed is condemned. What Iran needs now is a democratic opening, inaugurated by the ayatollahs, that will go into a consolidation of the revolution brought about in 1979. In other words, Mossadegh’s revolution gave Iran back to its people. But the larger truth about the 1979 revolution must not be brushed aside.

What appears to be a national conversation about reform, democracy, and stability is better understood as a political economy of discourse shaped by incentives, risks, and timing. To understand Bangladesh’s current political discourse, it is not enough to look at what political actors are saying. This is where political discourse becomes cautious and defensive. It is the political economy of transition itself, which incentivises caution, fragmentation, and narrative management. Siamul Huq Rabbany is a development and governance analyst focusing on political economy, democratic transitions, and state reform.

Daryl Mitchell struck an unbeaten 131 to lead New Zealand to a series-levelling seven-wicket win over India in the second one-day international on Wednesday. It was New Zealand's first ODI win over India since 2023 and their first 50-over win in India in over eight years. "It's really nice to get the win," Mitchell said after being named player of the match. Mitchell walked in to bat with New Zealand on 46-2 and along with Young helped the Black Caps take control. Rahul raised his eighth ODI ton in 87 balls with a six off Kyle Jamieson.

The BMD said a mild cold wave is currently affecting the districts of Dinajpur, Panchagarh, Kurigram and Chuadanga and it may continue and spread, indicating a broader coverage than the previous day when cold conditions were limited to fewer areas and showed signs of easing. Light to moderate fog may occur at a few places over the country during late night to morning. Both night and day temperatures may fall slightly over the country. The highest maximum temperature recorded yesterday was 29.8 degrees Celsius at Sylhet, while the lowest minimum temperature today was 7.5 degrees Celsius at Tetulia in Panchagarh. Sunset in Dhaka will be at 5:33 pm today, while tomorrow's sunrise is expected at 6:44 am.

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